Is Your Amazon Order Saying Approval Needed? 3 Reasons Why

Usually, customer complaints concerning orders that need approval are the orderliness faults of the Amazon seller. For a 3P seller, the approval delays would have a trailing toll on sales and inventory flow, not quite excluding a deficient customer experience. It is for this reason that understanding how orders are approved by Amazon becomes important in limiting disruptions as well as streamlining the purchasing process.

This article will explain the main reasons behind such an approval requirement by orders from Amazon and of how a seller can effectively minimize such sales theft.

What Does “Approval Needed” Mean on Amazon?

Thus, once an order is placed by a buyer, Amazon initiates the processing of that order subject to running the required security and compliance checks before payment and shipment processing of that order. Therefore, if the order is marked as requiring approval, then it means that the order requires further validation by Amazon to complete the procedure.

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This brings the seller some wasted time in fulfillment and sometimes cancels their approved orders, leaving them on the line for any lost revenues. Most of the time when such holding happens on orders, it is due to issues with verifying payments, product restriction issues, or fraud prevention protocol.

1. Problems with Payment Verification

If your seller account faces repeated payment verification issues and order cancellations, it may come under Amazon’s scrutiny, leading to potential restrictions or even a full account review. Learn what happens next and how to resolve it in our guide on Amazon Account Under Review.

• There are insufficient funds in the credit or debit cards used for payments.
• Billing Address does not match with Registrant’s Address of cardholder.
• There is an errant Pattern of chargebacks or fraud reports against the Payment Method.
• When there is flagging of the transaction under “Suspicious,” an unusual purchasing behavior is found.

The Effect of This on 3P Sellers

Payment verification delays can hold orders in a pending state for hours or even days, disrupting sales momentum. If Amazon fails to verify the payment, the order may be canceled automatically, causing customer frustration and potential negative feedback.

How to Reduce Payment-Related Order Delays

• Monitor pending orders in Seller Central to identify delays.
• Encourage customers to use verified payment methods and keep billing details updated.
• Set up customer support responses for order inquiries related to payment approvals.

If payment verification remains unresolved, sellers may experience higher order cancellations and an increase in unfulfilled inventory, impacting overall business performance.

2. Product Restrictions and Compliance Issues

If you’re a seller expanding into international markets, understanding Amazon’s category restrictions is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need to comply with cross-border selling regulations to avoid unnecessary delays and rejections. Read our guide on Amazon’s Compliance Rules to navigate these challenges effectively

Common Restricted Product Categories

• Health and Beauty: Some skincare, supplements, and personal care items require special approval or documentation.
• Electronics: Certain electronic devices are subject to safety compliance checks.
• Food and Beverages: Perishable goods and dietary supplements may require verification before purchase.
• Luxury Goods: High-value items like designer handbags, watches, and jewelry may trigger approval requirements.

The Effect of This on 3P Sellers

When an order is placed in a restricted product category, Amazon may require buyers to provide additional information or meet specific purchasing criteria. This process can slow down sales and increase the likelihood of Amazon order cancellations without notice, if customers abandon the purchase. 

How to Minimize Product Restriction Delays

• Ensure your listings meet Amazon’s compliance guidelines for restricted categories.
• Clearly state any purchasing requirements in product descriptions.
• Offer alternative fulfillment options like Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) if customers face issues purchasing through FBA.

By staying informed about Amazon’s category restrictions and compliance policies, sellers can reduce unexpected order delays and provide better customer guidance.

3. Fraud Prevention and Buyer Account Issues

Amazon’s fraud detection protocols can be challenging, especially for third-party sellers who rely on smooth order processing. Understanding how the 3P marketplace functions can help you navigate fraud-related order delays. Explore our in-depth Amazon 3P: Complete Breakdown for Sellers to learn more.

Common Triggers for Fraud Reviews

• Orders placed from a new or unverified buyer account.
• Large quantity purchases or bulk orders from a single buyer.
• Orders shipped to an address different from the billing address.
• High-value transactions that deviate from a buyer’s usual purchasing pattern.

The Effect of This on 3P Sellers

Fraud reviews can cause order delays, increase customer inquiries, and even lead to cancellations if the buyer does not complete the verification process. For sellers, these flagged orders can disrupt fulfillment schedules and impact overall revenue.

How to Reduce Order Delays Due to Fraud Reviews

• Proactively monitor pending orders in Seller Central.
• Contact Amazon Seller Support for clarifications on flagged transactions.
• Encourage customers to use verified accounts and standard payment methods.

While fraud prevention measures protect sellers, unnecessary order blocks can reduce conversion rates and create frustration for both buyers and sellers.

How to Prevent “Approval Needed” Orders from Hurting Your Sales

Although Amazon controls the order approval process, sellers can take steps to reduce order delays and maintain a steady sales flow.

Actionable Strategies for 3P Sellers

✔ Regularly monitor pending orders to catch delays early.
✔ Stay compliant with Amazon’s category restrictions.
✔ Educate customers on payment verification and fraud checks.
✔ Offer alternative fulfillment methods to avoid order roadblocks.
✔ Optimize product listings with clear purchasing requirements.
✔ Use Amazon ads and SEO strategies to attract high-intent buyers.

To maintain sales momentum despite occasional order approval setbacks, a strong advertising strategy can play a crucial role to counter and balance your business’ performance. Learn how to maximize ROI with Amazon ads in our guide on Amazon Advertising for 7-8 Figure Sellers.

Final Thoughts

If your customers frequently encounter “Approval Needed” messages, it’s essential to identify the root cause and take proactive measures to prevent sales disruptions. Payment verification, product restrictions, and fraud prevention policies are the most common reasons Amazon places orders under review.

As an Amazon 3P seller, understanding these issues helps you manage orders more effectively, reduce cancellations, and improve the customer buying experience.

At AMZDudes, we help brands navigate Amazon’s complex order management system by optimizing account performance, product listing, and advertising strategies.

Need expert guidance for your Amazon business? Contact AMZDudes today and take control of your marketplace operations.